Steve Brennan, Quit For Life®

Fifty-two year old Steve Brennan always knew he needed to quit smoking, but after seeing a friend have a stoke and watching the price of cigarettes jump again, he decided it was time to do something about it. He called Quit For Life™.

Steve Brennan, age 52, decided to free himself from cigarettes for his health and for his wallet. He joined the Sound Support Quit for Life™ program for help. A smoker for 34 years, Steve realized his addiction needed to end. “I have known all these years how bad it is for you,” he said. “I decided I didn’t want to be a slave to cigarettes anymore.” A friend at work had recently survived a stroke. Steve began to wonder what would happen to him if he didn’t quit smoking. After having a bad cold, he decided that it was time to quit for good. “When you’re sick you’re so depleted of vitamins and nutrients,” he said. “I started coughing and reached for a cigarette. It was ridiculous, so I put it down and thought, ‘don’t even bother.’” By the end of that day, Steve realized he hadn’t had a cigarette all day. “I thought, ‘I won’t have one now because it will make me want another one later.’” The rising cost of cigarettes also influenced his decision to quit. “I called the Quit for Life™ program after the sales tax on cigarettes increased again.” By quitting smoking, he realized he’d save a lot of money, and he could even receive a monetary incentive for participating in the program. “One hundred dollars is a lot for making an attempt,” Steve said. “It’s a generous offer with the economy and medical costs the way they are today. I thought, ‘what do I have to lose?’” Steve worked with several Quit Coaches through the program. “I’m glad it worked out that way because some of the coaches I worked with had been smokers before,” he said. “One of the guys I talked to told me that he quit so he knew exactly what I was going through.” The program booklet was a useful resource for Steve. “The booklet was very helpful,” Steve said. “It helped me realize how nicotine affects your brain. Once I understood the addictive cycle I was ready to play the mind game, and win.” Steve recommends the programs to others, noting that several people in his store have also quit tobacco with Quit for Life™. “Call and get the booklet and do the program to free yourself from being a slave to cigarettes,” Steve recommends. “Like me and the others at my store who have quit, you can too.”

Shelby Vadney, Quit For Life®

Twenty-six year old Shelby Vadney had smoked for seven years and thought she would never be able to quit. She was hesitant when a coworker gave her flyer on Quit For Life®, but figured she had to try.

Shelby Vadney, a Dairy Manager at QFC and smoker for the past seven years, never thought she would be able to quit. But after joining the Sound Support Quit for Life® program, and after nearly nine months of being tobacco free, she’s proving herself wrong. “I felt like I relied on cigarettes to get me through the day,” Shelby said. “I had tried everything by the time I joined the program and nothing had worked.” At age 26, Shelby knew that she had a lot of reasons to quit, including her 16-month-old niece. “I wanted to be the aunt who could play with her,” Shelby said. “I didn’t want to make her wait to ride down the slide at the playground while I smoked. I didn’t want to be a person who lights a cigarette in front of a baby.” Shelby found out about the Quit for Life® program when one of her co-workers brought her a program flyer. “She brought me the information and at first I wasn’t willing to try,” Shelby said. “I figured, it’s my life, I can quit my own way. Eventually I realized I wasn’t going to quit for anyone else. I had to do it for myself.” On February 11, Shelby called the Quit for Life® program to enroll. She had her last cigarette the same night. “Initially I thought I would use the gum to help me quit,” Shelby said. “But then I realized I couldn’t set up a future date. I had to quit the day I decided to call the program. It would have irritated me to plan a quit date and count down my last cigarettes.” Shelby began speaking with a Quit Coach® every three weeks. She worked with two different coaches who counseled her on nicotine addition and offered suggestions for replacing the physical cravings. “I loved having the coaches,” Shelby said. “It was a lot easier than doing it on my own. There was something about actually having someone calling and checking up on you that helped.” Shelby talked with her quit coaches over the phone. “The coaches didn’t judge me,” Shelby said. “They were so nice and made it feel like we knew one another. They jumped right into my life and made me feel like they really understood what I was going through.” Shelby knows that joining Quit for Life™ is one of the best things she could have done for herself. “You learn over time that quitting is the best selfish thing you could possibly do. I thank my co-worker every day for bringing me that flyer.”

Joseph Carreriro, Quit for Life®

Joseph Carreriro is a Head Clerk at Safeway and has been a Trust participant for eight years. He enrolled in the Trust’s Quit for Life® program to help kick his 20-year tobacco habit.

How did you hear about the program?

My wife told me about the program after she took the Personal Health Assessment last year.

What motivated you to enroll?

I felt that I needed support outside of the people I knew. My mom quit smoking after 30 years back in 1989 and tried to tell me what I needed to do, but what worked for her wasn’t working for me. I felt like I needed something more professional, more clinical in a way. I’ve learned via the program that no two people respond to the same quit methods.

What keeps you motivated?

I needed someone I can talk to, so for me the coaches themselves made a big difference. My wife would be there for me, but she had never had a single cigarette in her whole life. I might as well be talking about aliens with her because she didn’t know the pain I was going through. To me, the coaches felt like professional peers. It was almost like having a friend who is a doctor. They had the knowledge about all the statistics on why I should quit, yet they understood what I was going through and how difficult it is. Talking to the coaches was like talking to a former smoker. They talked to you like they’ve also fallen and picked themselves back up and they know how humiliating it is. I looked at it like the coaches knew the types of temptations I faced, and yet they agreed that what I’m trying to do is major. It was like talking to a friend, but with no judgment. It’s not a small thing to be able to talk to someone who knows what you’re going through. I like the personal input you get from a coach.

What are your keys to success?

My coach told me that sometimes all you need to do is take a deep breath, realize what your goal is and calm down instead of reaching for a cigarette. My goal was to not be a slave to the cigarettes. There was something about the coaches sharing personal stories that made a big difference.

Any advice for others considering Quit for Life?

If you have Sound Health & Wellness Trust coverage, what can it hurt? The hardest part – trust a guy who has smoked for a long time – is the first step. The Trust is willing to take your hand and help you through that first step. It’s a good thing…no, it’s a great thing.

Kathy Naon, Quit For Life®

Kathy Naon works at a QFC in Seattle and has been a Trust participant for nearly 30 years. Kathy joined the no-cost tobacco cessation program Quit For Life® in February of 2011, and hasn’t smoked since.

How did you hear about the program?

The Trust called me! I had tried to quit before but stopped when the medication became too expensive – even with insurance. When it was offered to me for free I thought ‘I’d be a fool to turn this down’.

What motivated you to enroll?

Several things, actually. I had been thinking about it because I’m a grandmother and I’m raising my oldest grandchild. I want to be around to see him as an adult. Also I didn’t enjoy smoking, or thinking of myself as having an addiction – but it was difficult to give up. I didn’t like that this chemical had the control and I didn’t. And the fact that it costs $10/pack was a good motivator too. I realized I would have to work at least 30 minutes to pay for one pack of cigarettes. I’ve certainly noticed the extra pocket money since quitting.

What keeps you motivated?

Well, primarily my faith. Before quitting I prayed and asked for help with this. A week later you called. I had asked that it would be easy and doable, and it was. Beyond that, having access to personalized coaches and one-on-one phone sessions was very helpful. I had some disasters in the first few weeks that normally would have driven me to start smoking again. Instead I called my coach. I had more than one coach through the process and they all cared about how I was doing. They would ask: ‘on a scale from 1-10 how hard has it been for you this week?’ and then would give me the tools and support I needed to keep going. One of the reasons I gave up before was the cost of the medication. But with Quit For Life® you can qualify for free patches or gum, and that was really important because it allowed me to do it. If I had to go and pay for the items to quit it would be really expensive. Smokers aren’t thinking about the cost of cigarettes.

What are your keys to success?

I have a very close friend that is a blessing in my life. If I needed to, I’d call her and we’d chat and have a great old time. She is so encouraging and would help me through it. I found that trying to keep a positive attitude is key. At work there were a few people who were trying to quit on their own, and they were struggling more than I was. You have to really want it. You have to believe in yourself. And you need to make sure you have support. I was just ready and everything I needed was there.

What is your favorite thing about participating in a Sound Support program?

I appreciate that there are people out there who have been educated and know what you are going through – they can give you educated answers to the questions you have. Also, I hate when people talk over me. I don’t like feeling stupid, so a lot of times I won’t repeat the questions I have. My coaches were down to earth and made me feel comfortable. I was able to say what I needed to say.

What is the best thing about meeting your goal?

I don’t miss that feeling of withdraw. It is a horrible feeling in your body. It is so nice now to not have that. I go all day at work and I don’t have that feeling. I see people smoking and go ‘eeww’.

Any advice for others trying to quit tobacco?

For me my faith was pivotal and I recommend praying and having the assurance that you will be supported. I felt like God gave me this body and He wants me to take care of it. And use the Sound Support Wellness programs, they are there for you. I don’t know how much more motivation you really need! Get out there and do it. You’ll feel so much better about yourself. It’s an amazing hurdle to get over. It’s huge.

Sandra Borchgrevink, Quit For Life®

Fifty-four year old Sandra Borchgrevink wasn’t looking forward to quitting, but when she saw how smoking was affecting her and her husband, she knew she had to find a way. With the help of Quit for Life® she is now tobacco free.

Sandra Borchgrevink didn’t really want to quit smoking, but when her husband’s health demanded that he quit, she knew she had to quit as well. Having smoked for 41 years, the 54-year-old Deli Clerk knew that both her husband and her pocketbook were counting on her. “My husband was suffering from shortness of breath, and the cost of cigarettes went up last spring. I knew it was time for us both to quit,” Sandra said. “It’s too hard for one person to quit if there’s another smoker living in the house so I decided to quit as well.” Sandra and her husband Robert joined the Quit for Life® smoking cessation program. “We both signed up in mid-March,” Sandra said. “We finished our cigarettes and started using the patches the next day.” Through the Sound Support Quit for Life® program, the Sound Health & Wellness Trust provides free patches, gum or medication to participants if recommended by their personal Quit Coach®. “It was nice when my Quit Coach called to check in,” Sandra said. “I appreciated the calls. Although I knew what I needed to do, the calls helped a lot.” Sandra worked with several coaches for two months. The coaches provided support and helped her recognize her trigger points. “The coaches were all really good,” Sandra said. “The biggest trigger point for me is still when I first get off work and get into my car. That’s when I want a cigarette the most.” Instead of reaching for a cigarette, Sandra kept her hands busy with woodturning and sewing. “I made my produce manager a wooden salad bowl,” Sandra said. “I knew I had to keep busy and not dwell on how much I wanted a cigarette.” In addition to personalized coaching, the Trust offers participants a $100 incentive for completing five calls with a Quit Coach. “The check was nice, but it didn’t factor into my decision to quit,” Sandra said. “It all boils down to determination. You’ve got to want to do it.” Due to Sandra and Robert’s determination, they have been smoke-free for six months. “If I can do it anyone can. I have no desire to go back,” Sandra said. “I still crave cigarettes now and then, but I know if I have one I’ll have to start all over again so I don’t.” “I’ve told people at work they should call Quit for Life, because it works,” Sandra said. “You’ve got the coaching and you’ve got the patches, so what do you have to lose?”

Shelia Garcia, Personal Health Assessment

Forty-nine year old Sheila Garcia decided to put aside her privacy worries, and took her Personal Health Assessment for the first time. Not only were her privacy concerns put to rest, she learned more about her health, received her incentive—and won big.

Shelia Garcia, 49, a Physical Therapist Assistant at Jefferson Healthcare, admits she can be skeptical. For two years she doubted that her privacy would be protected if she took the Personal Health Assessment questionnaire. However, in the spring of 2010, she decided to complete it anyway. “For a long time I was skeptical about where the information goes,” Shelia said. “This year I decided it was time to see things in a positive light and consider how completing the questionnaire might give me some good suggestions for ways I can improve my health.” The information participants share on their Personal Health Assessment or Group Health’s Health Profile is completely confidential, protected by federal law, and cannot be shared with Sound Health Trustees, the union or the employer without permission. “I found out about the assessment through the newsletter,” Shelia said. “I knew I could apply the $100 incentive towards my HRA so I was motivated by the financial gain as well.” Shelia won big for her first year. Not only were her worries about privacy relieved, she learned more about her health status, deposited $100 into her Health Reimbursement Arrangement, and was one of three participants to win the Sound Health & Wellness Trust drawing for a Nintendo Wii™ with Wii Sports Active™. “It’s always exciting to win something,” Shelia said. “I plan to use it during the winter on those cold, icky days when I can’t get outside to exercise. It will be a fun way to get my heart rate up.” Shelia plans to take her Personal Health Assessment again in 2011. She can check her results each year to see how her health status has changed. “I would tell others that they should take their Personal Health Assessment for three reasons,” Shelia said. “First, it’s easy to take and not time consuming. Second, it has the benefit of the financial increase into your HRA. Third, it’s a good way to get an overall health assessment. If you follow through, there are good guidelines on where to go from the questionnaire. It gives you an objective perspective on your health.”

Nicole Pena, Personal Health Assessment

Thirty-two year old Nicole Pena has taken her Group Health Health Profile every year for the last three years to track her health and get information on how to stay healthy. But this year she got even more.

Nicole Pena, age 32, has diligently completed her annual Personal Health Assessment for three years. As a Group Health Options participant, she takes Group Health’s Health Profile. Every year she appreciates the valuable health information she receives, but this year her dedication really paid off. In addition to collecting her cash incentive for taking her PHA, this year she was one of the three lucky winners in the Trust’s drawing for a Wii console with Sport Active. Her sons were thrilled. “I have two sons ages nine and six,” Nicole said. “They play flag football at the YMCA and they are crazy about the new Wii.” Nicole enjoys reading and appreciates the health information and resources provided by the Sound Health & Wellness Trust. Each year when she receives the Sound Support postcard letting her know the PHA is available she makes sure to visit the Sound Health & Wellness website to complete her questionnaire and collect her incentive. “It usually takes me around 20 minutes,” Nicole said. “I like learning about stress, sleep, and tips for quitting smoking.” After taking her Health Profile in 2010, Nicole decided to quit smoking. She found a wealth of resources available through the Trust to help her quit. Nicole said she plans to take her fourth Health Profile in 2011. “I am very happy with the programs Sound Support offers,” Nicole said. “We’re lucky that our plan gives us all this great information.”

Anne-Marie Hastings, Health Coaching

Sixty-four year old Anne-Marie Hastings joined Sound Support Health Coaching to lose weight, improve her diet and get her diabetes under control. With the help of Sheila, her health coach, Anne-Marie is finding the support she needs to succeed.

64-year old Anne-Marie Hastings, a 15-year Sound Health and Wellness Trust participant, listens to her conscience. Fortunately for her, that conscience calls every three weeks. Anne-Marie enrolled in Sound Support Health Coaching in 2009 after taking her Personal Health Assessment and not being pleased with what she saw. Now she has a personal health coach, Shelia, who calls to help keep her on track with her nutrition goals. “I hear Sheila’s voice like my own conscience in the back of my head,” Anne-Marie said. “I really appreciate her moral support. When Shelia calls we discuss my weight loss goals and life in general. We talk about everything in my life that affects my health.” Shelia encourages Anne-Marie, helping her make lasting changes to her diet and nutrition. “Right now I’m trying to get more veggies and protein in my meals,” Anne-Marie explained. “I’ve learned to like sweet potatoes and to use healthier options like PAM. She’s also teaching me and giving me resources on how to get more protein without adding fat.” Anne-Marie has diabetes and she hopes by working on her eating habits she will be able to avoid using insulin in the future. “I’m working to get my diabetes under control,” Anne-Marie said. “I’ve been eating better, reading labels, visiting calorieking.com and figuring out creative ways to add flavor with spices and herbs instead of salt.” Anne-Marie realizes she is ultimately responsible for her own health, but she is thankful that Sound Support, and Sheila, are available for support and ideas. “I know that I hold the key to turning my health around—with some help of course.” Anne-Marie said. “And as I’ve always said, it is easier to stay well than to have to get well once you’re sick.”

Jeni Meissner, Health Coaching

Sixty-year-old Jeni Meissner found out about health coaching after she completed her Personal Health Assessment. At the same time she met with her doctor and decided she needed to improve her health. Motivated by her doctor’s instructions and Sondra, her health coach, she signed up for health coaching and is lowering her blood pressure and losing weight — the healthy way.

Jeni Meissner has been a Sound Health & Wellness Trust participant and childcare provider for more than 30 years. After talking with her doctor and completing her Personal Health Assessment she knew it was time to get serious about improving her health. A health coach was waiting to help. “I inherited some bad health genes from my parents but I have an awesome doctor,” Jeni described. “I’ve been battling high blood pressure for a long time and he always tells it like it is. So, when he told me in all honesty that I needed to make some lifestyle changes I took his instruction to heart.” Jeni had recently completed her Personal Health Assessment and had been referred to the health coaching program. “I thought, ‘ok, I’ve been fooling around with eating right and exercise, but now it’s time to get serious,” Jeni remembered. The time was right for her to call for a Sound Support health coach. “When I first heard about health coaching I wondered how much it could help,” Jeni explained. “But I thought it was worth a try. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained. My health coach is Sondra and she has been great.” Jeni is working with Sondra to set and achieve healthy weight loss goals. “Sondra’s really helped me by keeping me accountable,” Jeni explained. “I’m not like everyone else so it’s important to have someone who knows and understands my individual situation.” Sondra offers Jeni tips and encouragement over the phone. They set up periodic appointments at Jeni’s request. “She gives me pointers on how to keep going and not get discouraged,” Jeni said. “She keeps me motivated and answers my questions honestly. Now I have some history with her and I feel comfortable confiding in her.” Jeni has six children and has run an in-home daycare center for infants to kindergarten age children for more than 30 years. Health coaching has improved the health of those around her as well. “Our produce consumption has really improved,” Jeni said. “Nutrition is wearing off on my husband. Since I’m cooking it, he’s eating better.” “Health coaching is for people who could benefit from individualized advice to help keep them on the right track,” Jeni explained. “When you look at Americans across the board a lot of people are struggling with weight and health issues as they get older. Coaching is being offered to us as a tool. In my case I need all the help I can get.” “It has worked for me, it might help others stay healthy and live longer.”

Earl Greenlaw, Personal Health Assessment

A Sound Health & Wellness Trust participant for 27 years, Earl Greenlaw was impressed with the programs available through Sound Support. Now he takes the information he learns through the Wellness Champion Volunteer Network to help others get healthy, stay informed and collect financial rewards.

For Earl Greenlaw, a Food Departments Pricing Coordinator at Fred Meyer and 27-year Sound Health & Wellness Trust participant, knowing what’s available on the Trust’s web site really pays off. “After spending some time on the Sound Health web site I realized how much was available,” Earl said. “Now I’m cluing myself in and thinking of new ways to improve my health.” Earl attended one of the Trust-sponsored focus groups at Local 367 last year, which is where he learned about the Sound Support Personal Health Assessment. His interest was piqued when he heard about the additional wellness programs available through Sound Support. He visited the Trust’s site to find out more. “I took the PHA last year but I didn’t really understand what it was. I wasn’t familiar with the HRA either,” Earl explained. “I leaned a lot about these programs on the web site and after completing our assessments this year both my wife and I chose the $100 HRA contribution. We realize how far $200 goes towards covering out-of-pocket medical expenses.” In addition to the financial incentive, Earl learned about other optional Sound Support programs referred by the Personal Health Assessment. “The PHA gives you examples of what programs would be good for you like smoking cessation or weight loss programs that may apply to your life,” Earl explained. “It tunes you in to what is available.” When Earl completed his PHA he was referred to the Sound Support health coaching program. “I’m healthy, but the program came up and I thought that there might be an area I could improve on,” Earl said. “I worked with a stress health coach and after three calls received a $50 check. I never would have considered that unless it was suggested.” Inspired by the opportunities available with Sound Support, Earl decided to become a Wellness Champion Volunteer. He works with the Trust to make sure that his fellow co-workers are aware of the variety of free and useful programs and makes sure they know they can come to him with any questions regarding Sound Support. “I became a Wellness Champion Volunteer so that I could make others aware.” Earl said. “I speak with people and share what’s available. In April I’d like to put more flyers and information up at work so that people can see what the program does for them.” Wellness Champion Volunteers help promote Sound Support programs through flyers and brochures provided by the Trust, wellness groups, and community races. The network spans Western Washington and helps reach participants by word-of-mouth. “I want the other volunteers to know that even if they only get five more people to take the PHA this year than last year it’s still worth it,” Earl said. “Once people get on the web site and take their PHA they see what’s available.” Earl has high hopes for the future of Sound Support. “I hope that everyone has a healthy lifestyle. That’s what it’s all about. I hope that people will understand what’s out there. Maybe the Sound Support program will open people’s eyes to get more involved in the union and the Trust and what it does for you. You have to realize that your money is going to something important.”

Jeff Asher, Quit For Life®

Fifty-eight year old Jeff Asher issued a challenge to his co-workers, “If you quit, I will.” After 40 years of being a smoker this was no small challenge. But with the encouragement and resources he received from his Quit Coaches and the support of his fellow Quitters, Jeff was able to break the habit.

Jeff Asher, a Safeway Food Clerk, husband and father of four, has been a Sound Health & Wellness Trust participant for 29 years. Jeff was a smoker for over 40 years, but motivated by his coworkers, he called the Sound Support Quit for Life® program. Jeff decided to quit after he saw one of his co-workers successfully stop smoking. He decided to challenge one of his friends, a fellow lifetime smoker and co-worker, “If you quit I'll quit too.” “At work there were three of us who quit,” Jeff explained. “We'd support one another by recognizing the progress we were making. We would tell one another, ‘way to go! You made it a day, a week, and so on.’” In addition to the support of his coworkers, Jeff was encouraged by his Sound Support Quit Coach team. He would have regular telephone sessions with coaches who would help keep him on track. “It was a deal I couldn't refuse,” Jeff explained. “Free patches, a $100 check, and it was nice to talk with someone who told you about the triggers caused by years of smoking.” As it turns out, Jeff learned a lot from his personal Quit Coaches. “I always thought it was the nicotine I wanted, but my coaches taught me that after a few days it wasn’t the nicotine I was craving, it was the smoking habits I had developed. They explained to me which cravings were needs and which cravings were desires.” With the professional support of Sound Support Quit for Life and the personal support of his co-workers, Jeff decided he’d also use “monetary motivation” to keep him enthused. “I was buying packs of cigarettes for $4.77,” Jeff said. “So every night I would get home and put $5 in a little box. I kept adding $5 for each day I didn’t smoke a cigarette. On my birthday, about eight months after I quit, I went out and spent $1,000.” Jeff loves music. In the eight months following his January 31st quit date he was able to save the $1,000 needed to purchase a brand new guitar amplifier for his birthday. He continues to use this savings trick to motivate his smoke-free lifestyle today. In the last few months he has saved $600 simply by not smoking. Jeff’s success has been inspirational not only for his fellow co-workers but at home. Inspired by her stepfather’s success, Jeff’s stepdaughter and her husband have also quit smoking in the past year. “They knew how long I had smoked, and yet they saw me quit,” Jeff described. “They may have realized if I could quit they could do it too. They probably saw how much money I was saving each day.” Jeff recommends Sound Support Quit for Life to other Sound Health & Wellness Trust participants and encourages them to give it a try. “Call Quit for Life because it works! I thought it was going to be really hard to quit and I was amazed at how easy it was.” Jeff said. “Quitting wasn’t that bad at all because of the advice and information I received.”

Lorraine Gorby, Personal Health Assessment

Fifty-three year old Lorraine Gorby took the personal health assessment to get the whole picture of her health. When she was invited to participate in health coaching calls to manage her stress, she welcomed the opportunity with great results.

Lorraine Gorby, 53, has been a member of the Sound Health & Wellness Trust for almost five years. When the Sound Support Wellness program offered a Personal Health Assessment she decided that the “quick and easy” questionnaire would give her a broad overview of her entire health picture. A healthy person already, Gorby was able to see that there was room for improvement and she welcomed the opportunity to work with a stress management health coach when Sound Support called. “My general health is good, but there are a couple areas where improvement is needed,” Gorby explained. “I believed the health coach would offer education, guidance and support.” The two began speaking on the phone for 20 to 25 minutes at a time most convenient for Gorby. “It is such a convenience to counsel over the phone. My calls were scheduled after work in the evening and I felt like my coach was genuinely interested in my stress concerns.” Together, Gorby and her health coach discussed what triggers her stress and anxiety. The health coach offered insightful recommendations on actions she could take and helped her set personal goals for improvement. “My health coach recommended ways I could deal with stress, because it’s unavoidable,” Gorby said. “My coach has also motivated me to engage in physical and social activities as well.” Getting more involved has been a healthy lifestyle change for Gorby, who started walking the track at a local junior high school three times each week. By meeting a good friend at the track and joining a weekly Bible Study at her church she’s better equipped to handle life’s stress. When asked if she would recommend health coaching to others she responds with a wholehearted “yes!”.

Joe Schipacci, Personal Health Assessment

Fifty-nine year old Joe Schipacci needed some help meeting his weight loss goals. With help from his health coach, he is staying on track with regular exercise and is achieving his goals.

Joe Schipacci decided to take the Sound Support Personal Health Assessment (PHA) in 2008 because he wanted to be diligent about his weight loss goals. Joe has worked at Shoreline Central Market for nearly 10 years and has had to manage a condition that prevented him from exercising in the past. When he began to feel better, Joe started riding a stationary bike, and after completing his PHA, he was referred to a health coach. Joe says his coach has motivated and empowered him to stay on track. “I know my coach will call me next Tuesday, so I get ready,” Joe says. “Knowing he’s going to call works somehow. It’s very encouraging and validates what I’m doing.” In the summer, vacation travel can complicate the most deliberate exercise plans, but Joe thought ahead this summer and scheduled a call with his health coach for when he returned. “I had him call me after my trip to make sure I didn’t slip,” Joe explains. “A lot of times it doesn’t take much to get off your routine.” Joe got other tips from his coach for maintaining his workout goals during relaxing vacations. He walked with active relatives and continues to keep a calendar on the wall where he can check off the days he rides his bike. After successfully achieving several short term goals, Joe is preparing for the next step in his wellness plan. “A year from now I’ll be 60 and by then I hope to achieve my goal weight,” Joe states resolutely. He knows there’s more to weight loss than exercise. In an effort to live a healthier life, he’s changing his diet as well. Health coaching has worked for Joe, and he encourages others to give it a try. “This really works if you let these people help you,” Joe says.

Nancy Bronsteen, Quit For Life®

*Forty-nine year old Nancy Bronsteen quit smoking for good with Sound Support Quit For Life®. She estimates that she has saved $1,000 in the past five months by not buying cigarettes, and she feels wonderful (and she didn’t even gain weight!).

*Please note that the $100 incentive check for Quit For Life® is no longer available for new enrollments as of January 1, 2012.

*For Nancy Bronsteen, by far the best part of quitting smoking is that she gets into bed at the end of every day feeling great about herself. Nancy says that “self loathing” was what finally got her to quit. “I felt so stupid,” she says. “I’m educated, and I’m still smoking. It makes no sense.” Still, she had smoked off and on for 20 years, and it took the help of the Sound Support Quit For Life® Program to get 49-year old Nancy to change her habits. “When I found out this program was going to start, I signed up immediately.” She can tell you the exact day she quit smoking: November 21, 2008. And she says, as soon as she started on the nicotine replacement therapy, there was no cheating and no turning back. Looking back, Nancy now says the “dreaded anticipation” of quitting was the hardest part. “Your imagination makes it much worse than it actually is,” she says. But that doesn’t mean it was easy. In fact, it was depressing and upsetting to give up her constant companion and her routines. She says the Quit For Life® Program was extremely helpful. For Nancy, the nicotine gum was a great help, and the personalized counseling was essential. “I liked talking to the Quit Coaches who had smoked before,” she says. “I could call and say, ‘I just picked a fight with my husband,’ and have someone to talk it over with. It was good to talk to people who understood what I was going through,” she says. “They made me feel like I wasn't doing this alone.” Nancy says the first days of quitting were especially hard. “In the beginning, I was furious,” she admits. “I had my smoking routines, and without my buddy (my cigarettes), I didn’t want to do any of the things I used to do.” Even getting in the car and rolling down the window to let the smoke out was something she did automatically and was hard to stop. How is Nancy doing now? “You know what? I am absolutely wonderful.” It’s great to feel proud of herself, and it’s nice not to have the window open in the car on cold rainy days. Nancy estimates she has saved $1,000 in the past five months by not buying cigarettes, and she is quick to point out that she quit smoking without gaining weight. She chews a lot of ice and sugarless gum, but she hasn’t replaced smoking with food. “And then, to top it all off, when I'd quit for a couple of months, I received a check for $100 in the mail! This was like winning the jackpot,” Nancy says. Nancy’s husband, Said Meskerkid works at the QFC on Broadway. She works in advertising for Pacific Publishing Company. “I quit smoking and the Trust sent me $100. I mean come on! I keep saying to my husband, ‘You’ve set us up with the best health coverage ever.’” Her next goal: To have Said quit. It’s worth another $100, and, she says, a lot more. *Please note that the $100 incentive check for Quit For Life® is no longer available for new enrollments as of January 1, 2012.

Fredda Lehan, Personal Health Assessment

Fredda, whose husband Robert has worked at the Red Apple in Kirkland for 8 years, had recently retired when she tripped and ruptured her Achilles tendon. She had three surgeries in three months, and a year later her foot was still so swollen that she couldn’t wear a regular shoe. Now, with help and encouragement from Kathy, her Sound Support health coach, Fredda Lehan is finally feeling like herself again.

“I just found out I’m going to be a grandma,” says Fredda Lehan, her face lighting up. “I’ve got to be healthy so I can help out.” With a part-time job at her daughter’s Montessori school, an 89-year-old mother to look after and a busy life with Robert, her husband of 42 years, 64-year-old Fredda was anxious to get healthy. Fredda, whose husband Robert has worked at the Red Apple in Kirkland for 8 years, had recently retired when she tripped and ruptured her Achilles tendon. She had three surgeries in three months, and a year later her foot was still so swollen that she couldn’t wear a regular shoe. Now, with help and encouragement from Kathy, her Sound Support health coach, Fredda Lehan is finally feeling like herself again. “It was Kathy who made me aware that there was an infection in my foot and that I needed to go in to see the doctor again.” Another surgery later, she is walking—and wearing matching shoes! Fredda’s road to recovery started with filling out the Sound Support personal health assessment. The assessment prompted a call from a Sound Support health coach, but for Fredda, who had worked for most of her career in physicians’ offices, the idea of talking to a health coach was a big adjustment. “I had always thought that all that was done at the doctor’s office. I’d never even heard of a health coach before,” she said. “But once we got in a routine, I realized I had a lot of questions.” In their telephone calls, they touch on all of Fredda’s health concerns, from her ankle problems to managing her breathing problems, to weight control, to dealing with a bad cold. Fredda can’t say enough nice things about Kathy, “I feel completely comfortable talking to her about anything. She’s easy to talk to and doesn’t ever make me feel like I’m repeating myself.” Today, Fredda is 18 pounds lighter and regaining her active lifestyle. She’s “hopeful and happy” and looking forward to being a hands-on grandmother.